1. To obtain an epibenthic sled samples of the abyssal macrobenthos of the SMBA permanent station on 54 40'N 12 16'W at 2900m depth in order to continue a seasonal time series started in November 1975.
2. To test the MK II box corer at abyssal depths and to obtain a series of quantitative cores on the permanent station in order to continue studies of macrobenthic community structure.
3. To obtain hauls of the benthic megafauna using an Agassiz trawl in order to continue seasonality studies, especially on brittlestars.
4. To finish a partially completed box coring transect up the Hebridean slope in order to study bathyal zonation.
5. To attempt a box corer and Agassiz transect on the lower Rockall Trough/Porcupine Abyssal Plain.